Standing Between Two Worlds

Standing Between Two Worlds

As I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. Revelation 4:1-3

As the medical director of a nursing home, I’ve learned that sometimes those who need the most help aren’t my patients—but the children of my patients.

One day, as I was making my rounds, the senior nurse asked if I would stop in and see the Browns.

Making my way to Mrs. Brown’s room, I stepped in and asked how their mother was doing. The eldest son, Alex, said, “I’m not sure.”

“Sometimes, Momma talks to us, and sometimes she seems to be talking to Daddy,” his sister Amy said. “But Daddy went to be with Jesus more than twenty years ago.”

“Does she seem to be in any pain?” I asked.

“Not really. She’s groaning, but she seems calm and relaxed, almost like she did when we were younger and we’d catch her praying.”

Over the years, when I’ve had the honor of being with people on their deathbeds, I’ve encouraged their family members to hold their loved ones’ hands, pray with them, and sing to them. But mostly I just want them to be present and aware that they’re standing on sacred ground.

“When I examined your mother a few days ago, I saw no evidence of pain or distress. It’s my opinion that she’s close to leaving this world, but only the Lord knows the hour. Her responses make me believe that, right now, she’s standing between two worlds—heaven and earth.”

Alex blinked back tears. Amy let them flow. I had just confirmed what they had already been thinking.

“Though she’s lying in bed, she’s resting on holy ground. I know it will be hard for your family to say good-bye, but I believe she is already making plans for the reunion you’ll have with her in your forever home.”

TODAY’S RX

Earthly words cannot adequately describe heaven or explain God’s glory. Sometimes, groaning is the best we can do.

God, I cannot begin to grasp how beautiful heaven must be. Thank you for making a place for us there. Help me not to lose sight of your glory in my daily life, but to always remember what awaits me.